Delacroix Stereotypes

Overall, the stigmas Dunwitty places on Delacroix, the exploitation of an impoverished street performer to star in the minstrel show, and the powerlessness Delacroix has in his career to have his ideas respected all highlight the theme of oppression in Bamboozled. In fact, the star of the show, Mantan, also known as Manray, also defends his acts in an interview on the BET network stating "Money makes the world go round. It ain't no joke being poor. I know what I'm talkin bout. Y'know what I'm sayin'? I've lived on the street. I've been homeless. I've learned how to play the game, work the game, be in the game". However, Sloan challenges Manray asking if he is just a puppet for Delacroix, which he initially refuses to admit. In what would

However, one of Lee's characters may in itself accidently reinforce stereotypes to the audience instead of communicating the symbolism of his role in the movie. Sloan's brother, Big Black, is a self-proclaimed rapper, revolutionary, and leader of the group that calls themselves the Mau-Maus. Big Black and the Mau-Maus seem to represent the anger of blacks in society who are tired of seeing others use stereotypes to exploit them. Yet, the Mau Maus, in many ways, embody several stereotypes through their clothing, use of guns, heavy alcohol consumption, drug use, and names such as Smooth Black, Mo Black, and Hard Black. They claim to fight the system, but Big Black is seen asking his sister to give them an opportunity to audition for the Mantan show. Their audition is rowdy involving the firing of guns into the ceiling and rapping about "everything Blak". After their rejection by Delacroix, Big Black states that the "simpleton is holding back the race. They got rid of us and keep those two buffoons". In the end, the Mau-Maus kidnap and execute Manray for his role in the minstrel show, but the true motivation for doing so is unclear. Whatever symbols of rebellion Spike was attempting to communicate through the Mau-Maus is lost due to a lack of clear motives of the group. Are they genuinely fighting the system, or angry because of a lost opportunity for fame and